From roger@haynes53.freeserve.co.uk Sun Apr 11 22:55:27 1999
Date: Wed, 07 Apr 1999 16:37:35 GMT
From: Roger Haynes <roger@haynes53.freeserve.co.uk>
Reply-To: canals@blacksheep.org
To: canals@blacksheep.org
Subject: First Trip of 99 - Part 1

Fri 2 Apr 0 dark hundred.  At last, the time had arrived for the first
trip since laying Teasel up for the winter at Hatherton in Sept and
moving to Uxbridge.  On to the M40 at 0620, drizzling slightly, hope
it clears after all the nice weather of the last few days.  M6 as bad
as ever, but arrived at Hatherton marina at 0830 with the weather
clearing.  

Now we would see if we had managed to seal all of the roof leaks,
especially after such a wet winter.  Some mould on the ceiling, but
that wiped off very easily, but the wood around the windows will
require a good sanding and revarnish, still at least we know the spots
on the roof we missed.  Engine started first time, but is still the
worlds smokiest SR3 (soon to be remedied).  After a good clean up and
unpacking we moved out of the marina and fueled (16p a litre) and
exchanged empty gas bottle.  On the way at 1200 down the Staffs &
Worcs toward Stourport.

Amazing really, we did not see another boat untill Autherly Junc,
usually we meet one coming the other way in the `rockin` north of
Autherly.  Even the moorings outside the Anchor at Coven were empty
and there was no sign of life on any of the boats moored at Coven
cruising club`s stretch.  It was really gentle and peacefull having
the cut to yourself, but also it was odd having no one to say `ow do`
to.

Southbound past the racecourse it looks as if some cleanup work has
taken place, there was definately less rubbish about than last year
and less scraping noises from below the waterline.  

Through Compton, Wightwick and Awbridge, all the locks set for us,
weather nice, beer in hand, life has arrived again.  Straight through
at Bratch as well, were is everyone.  I enjoy Bratch, the view is good
and you have time to admire the engineering thought and work that went
into the construction.

Moored up for the night below Swindon Lock, retired to the Green Man
for a few Banks`s, some eats and thence to bed. It`s great to be back
on the water.

Sat -- Kiddy & Stourport.

-- 
Roger Haynes  nb`Teasel`
Reply to  roger@haynes53.freeserve.co.uk